When is this event?
Part exercise, part social group, part exploration of the beautiful place we live in.
Joy Rides are all about using your bike to get around and passing on the magic of time spent on two wheels to anyone that wants to join in, regardless of ability, confidence or equipment.
These group rides meet once a week in Aviemore (Apr-Oct) and Grantown-on-Spey (Jul-Oct). They’re inclusive and social cycle rides, with options for a shorter 1-hour ride or a longer 2-hour outing. When there’s good conversation and the chance for a cake stop, the riding doesn’t always have to be priority number one!
Rides are led by a qualified, experienced ride leader, who will plan the route to be suitable for all participants and will carry the necessary tools and equipment to sort out any trail-side mishaps. Routes will take in quiet road sections and multi-use off-road trails. You don’t need to be a mountain biker to join in, and almost any bike will be suitable, from hybrid/town bikes through to mountain bikes and e-bikes.
Following its launch success in May 2025, the Pledge | Process | Planet exhibition marked a first for designers and artists living and working in the National Park. 20 creatives came together to collaborate and stage their first exhibition. Now, thanks to funding from the Cairngorms Trust and National Heritage Lottery Fund this beautiful and thought provoking exhibition goes on tour in October 2025.
“What a lovely surprise – an inspiring exhibition. Interesting basis/idea and great to bring together local creatives and the natural environment of the area. Really, really loved the embroidery.” Dawn and Dave, Greater Manchester.
“Incredible work – a huge thank you to the artists in the Park for sharing.” Anon
“Really interesting and inspiring. Thanks for letting us see.” Beau and Sandie, Paris
“Chord an taisbeanach seo, gu mor ruim. Torr obair a sas ann le diofar sgilean.” Sandra
The Cairngorms creative network formed to promote co-design and collaboration between creative practices in the National Park. Made up of over 100 members including visual and performing arts, the group aims to promote work opportunities, connect with other creatives, stage exhibitions and workshops and spark conversation as part of the Cairngorms 2030 programme.
Pledge | Process | Planet aims to spark conversation and connect landscape and community, to inspire collective action on climate change. By using creative disciplines to inspire conversations and action on climate change, it’s hoped this event will inspire a legacy beyond 2030, while building public awareness of creatives based in the National Park.
Supported by the Cairngorms Trust and the Scottish Government in partnership with the Cairngorms National Park Authority and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Following its launch success in May 2025, the Pledge | Process | Planet exhibition marked a first for designers and artists living and working in the National Park. 20 creatives came together to collaborate and stage their first exhibition. Now, thanks to funding from the Cairngorms Trust and National Heritage Lottery Fund this beautiful and thought provoking exhibition goes on tour in October 2025.
“What a lovely surprise – an inspiring exhibition. Interesting basis/idea and great to bring together local creatives and the natural environment of the area. Really, really loved the embroidery.” Dawn and Dave, Greater Manchester.
“Incredible work – a huge thank you to the artists in the Park for sharing.” Anon
“Really interesting and inspiring. Thanks for letting us see.” Beau and Sandie, Paris
“Chord an taisbeanach seo, gu mor ruim. Torr obair a sas ann le diofar sgilean.” Sandra
The Cairngorms creative network formed to promote co-design and collaboration between creative practices in the National Park. Made up of over 100 members including visual and performing arts, the group aims to promote work opportunities, connect with other creatives, stage exhibitions and workshops and spark conversation as part of the Cairngorms 2030 programme.
Pledge | Process | Planet aims to spark conversation and connect landscape and community, to inspire collective action on climate change. By using creative disciplines to inspire conversations and action on climate change, it’s hoped this event will inspire a legacy beyond 2030, while building public awareness of creatives based in the National Park.
Supported by the Cairngorms Trust and the Scottish Government in partnership with the Cairngorms National Park Authority and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Hill to Grill is back!
Join Cairngorms Connect and friends for a day celebrating and exploring local forests and enjoying delicious local food
When: Saturday 25th of October 2025, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Where: Nethy Bridge Playing Field
Tickets: Hill to Grill is completely free but why not click ‘Going’ on our Facebook, so we can make sure we have enough burgers for everyone!
Due to increased popularity, some elements of the event will require booking in advance – there will still be lots of drop-in activities on the day too. More info coming soon!
We’re excited to welcome you to Cairngorms Connect’s free outdoor festival celebrating local forests and local food. We’ve got a whole host of exciting activities planned for people of all ages and abilities, from woodworking to cooking demonstrations.
Learn about the importance of Deer management to restore local forests while enjoying a free BBQ with wild Cairngorms Connect Venison and other local, foraged, and gathered produce.
Meet a local butcher who will teach us about preparing different cuts of venison and what they are best used for.
Discover new ways to incorporate local food into your everyday meals with simple and inspiring cooking demonstrations from Scottish food expert Catriona Frankitti.
Immerse yourself in the folklore and stories of the forest with Sarah from Strathspey Storywalks.
Join in with family-friendly games and activities throughout the day
Hill to Grill is a largely outdoor event, mostly taking place in tents and on the Playing Field behind Nethy Community Centre, so please dress appropriately, and prepare for all weathers.
The event area is accessible for wheelchair users and buggies, but the grassy ground could be a little rough in places so please take care.
As part of The Highlands & Islands Climate Hub Climate Festival, the Grantown YMCA Community Centre is proud to present a series of 22 free events that aim to address Climate Change.
Each event will give you the information and guidance, to allow you to make subtle changes to your lifestyle, to reduce your impact on climate change.
We have children’s ergo Club and art competition, talks on Beavers, Peatland and AI computers, workshops on bike maintenance, clothing and furniture restorations, a big Capercaille build, a cinema night, climate cuisine and a recycle, reuse table sale to finish.
We look forward to meeting you all.
Family Ceilidh: Dance to the music of Reel Scotch. Steps will be explained and you will soon get the hang of it! All ages welcome. Prize raffle. Fully licensed bar. (Open session in the bar with Paul Anderson and friends after the Ceilidh finishes!).
FIDDLER OF STRATHSPEY FESTIVAL. Refreshments and food available at or near all venues Events arranged by The Grantown Society (SCIO50104).
10am-12 noon, Inverallan Church Hall: COFFEE MORNING with tunes on fiddle from Paul Anderson.
12noon-3.30pm, Ben Mhor Hotel / Y.M.C.A. Community Centre: WORKSHOPS (fiddle, singing, drumming, moothie – see programme for timings, all ages and levels welcome, instruments can be provided). Suggested donation for participants £5.
2pm-4pm, Grantown Hub: BADENOCH LADIES WAULKING GROUP (“Waulking the Cloth” – learn the traditional art of shrinking tweed whilst singing rhythmically in Gaelic and have a go at either or both!). Free (or modest donation).
4pm-4.45pm (rehearsal 3.45pm), Y.M.C.A. Community Centre (Cinema): WORKSHOPS PERFORMANCE Free.
5pm, Ben Mhor Hotel: OPEN SESSION in Bar with Paul Anderson. Free.
6pm, Ben Mhor Hotel: FESTIVAL DINNER (all welcome) – Fiddler’s Fish & Chips, Ceilidh Curry, Vegan Violins (all options £10).
N.B. Family Ceilidh at 7pm – listed separately.
Concert: Friday 26th SEPTEMBER 6.30pm for 7pm start, Royal British Legion Scotland (Strathspey Club – Main Hall) : FESTIVAL CONCERT featuring Paul Anderson, Shona Donaldson, Feis Spe Junior Band, Braeriach Quartet, Will Boyd-Wallis, Neil MacGregor. Prize raffle. Fully licensed bar.
Family Friendly Halloween Archery
Get ready for a thrilling 90-minute Halloween archery session! Take aim at spooky targets like ghosts, vampires, and zombies, perfect for kids and adults alike. After mastering your archery skills, let your little monsters decorate their own pumpkins and watch them go ‘splat’ in our exciting pumpkin-shooting finale. With professional coaching, fun challenges, and Halloween candy for the kids, this session promises spooky outdoor fun for all the family.
Highlights;
90-minute Halloween-themed archery experience
Shoot at creepy targets like vampires and ghouls
Pumpkin decorating in family / small groups and smashing finale
Suitable for kids (ages 8+) and adults
Halloween candy included!
Looking for the perfect way to keep the kids active and entertained this Inset Day? Our Day Camp is back on Monday 15th September, 10am – 3pm, and it’s going to be a day jam-packed with exciting activities, fun challenges, and outdoor adventure! 🌲🎉
🌟 Our camps are always popular, and spaces go quickly – so don’t wait around! The first 10 people to book will get 10% OFF using code CAMP10.
Our camp is designed to keep your little adventurers entertained, active, and engaged throughout the day. From thrilling laser tag battles to fun-filled raft-building, they’ll discover new skills, make new friends, and create fantastic memories!
Where is this event being held?
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